How To
Reach Portugal

Book Portugal Tour
Package

Famous for its pastel buildings, café culture, and Fado music, Lisbon is a beautiful coastal city. And it's friendly on the pocket with cheap accommodations and attractions costing lesser than other Western European cities. Lisbon very effortlessly combines traditional heritage with modern culture. With great weather all year round, Lisbon serves as a great place to just sit back and relax on the beach with cheap but tasty local wines and gorgeous Atlantic Ocean.Cheapest Month To Fly: October 2017 from New DelhiMust Visit: Palace of Ajuda, Belem Tower, Palace of the Marquises of Fronteira, Rua Augusta Church and Sao Jorge Castle.Must Eat: Pastel De Nata (Egg Custard Tarts), Bacalhau (Cod Fish), Polvo A Lagareiro (Boiled and Roasted Whole Octopus) and Sopa De Cacao (Shark Soup).Must Do: See the sun rise over Almafa from Sao Pedro De Alacantara Miradouro; Shop for antiques and pottery at Fiera Da Ladra; Listen to the traditional Faso at Tasca Bela; Take a sightseeing tour on a tuk tuk; Have a cup of 'Uma Bica', traditional Portuguese espresso; Cruise through the town on the historic Tram 28.Approximate Cost for a day: Attractions – Rs. 500; Food – Rs. 1300; Inter-city travel via public transport – Rs. 200; Accommodation – Average cost for 1 night – Rs. 2000 on double occupancy.Read More

Famous for its pastel buildings, café culture, and Fado music, Lisbon is a beautiful coastal city. And it's friendly on the pocket with cheap accommodations and attractions costing lesser than other Western European cities. Lisbon very effortlessly combines traditional heritage with modern culture. With great weather all year round, Lisbon serves as a great place to just sit back and relax on the beach with cheap but tasty local wines and gorgeous Atlantic Ocean.Cheapest Month To Fly: October 2017 from New DelhiMust Visit: Palace of Ajuda, Belem Tower, Palace of the Marquises of Fronteira, Rua Augusta Church and Sao Jorge Castle.Must Eat: Pastel De Nata (Egg Custard Tarts), Bacalhau (Cod Fish), Polvo A Lagareiro (Boiled and Roasted Whole Octopus) and Sopa De Cacao (Shark Soup).Must Do: See the sun rise over Almafa from Sao Pedro De Alacantara Miradouro; Shop for antiques and pottery at Fiera Da Ladra; Listen to the traditional Faso at Tasca Bela; Take a sightseeing tour on a tuk tuk; Have a cup of 'Uma Bica', traditional Portuguese espresso; Cruise through the town on the historic Tram 28.Approximate Cost for a day: Attractions – Rs. 500; Food – Rs. 1300; Inter-city travel via public transport – Rs. 200; Accommodation – Average cost for 1 night – Rs. 2000 on double occupancy.

Day 13Nearing the end of a trip of a lifetime, we sulked but Lisbon revived us. This capital city of Portugal was a huge city, with a character of that of a small and silent one. Now, you need to go out of Lisbon to experience the real Portugal.Where?Belem. Sintra. Cabo Da Roca. Lagos.All one day each trips and all oh-so-worth it. Each of them will offer an experience unparalleled.What stood out to for us? Cabo Da Roca. The western most point where Europe ends, and exactly where our Europe trip ended.Must have : Ginja (Cherry Liqueur) in a Chocolate Cup. And bring lots of it back. It tastes divine.

Lisbon, Portugal is so beautiful that it even made me want to leave la mia dolce vita (my sweet life) in Milano to enjoy some farm fresh frango (Chicken) and the best juicy sardines from the Atlantic while not missing out on the luxuries of good wine.
From the bustling city center in Lisbon to the rural country side in sunny coastal Faro, I would love every thing about Portugal. Even in the train, I would eat a chicken cutlet sandwich that was not warmed up. I would never do that in Italy, but the Frango in Portugal was spiced just right for the Indian taste bud.
Travel tip for Portugal: Two is company
Joining me was my beautiful travel companion from Brittany, France. Together as a team, we speak English, French, Hindi, Italian, Spanish, Telugu and Urdu as of now. We would meet up the coolest Lisbon locals who would help us evade the typical tourist traps, taking us directly to eat the best authentic local food, that too at the best price.
Drinks in Portugal means Gin time these days with this classy MUST VISIT place called the Gin Lovers. Just look at the pictures and you will thank me later.
Childhood in Kochi & Fascination with Vasco Da Gama
Vasco Da Gama, the Portuguese explorer was the first European to visit India by sea. Fast forward to 2017, an Indian living in Italy, the land of Christopher Columbus, makes plans to discover Portugal for his very first time.
That smile on my face brings back memories of a great trip from New Delhi to Goa during collage. Yes, I am more familiar to Portuguese culture than you think. Not only have I traveled to Goa, a former 500 years old Portuguese colony in India, but have spent good childhood years in Kerala, living in Cochin.
Frequent visits to St Francis Church, Kochi in my childhood taught me a lot about the great explorer Vasco Da Gama who was finally buried in this church after he died in 1524 on his third visit to India.
Journey to Portugal: Mission Impossible style

LisbonThe moment I stepped out of airport, I know this city will offer me something which no other city did before. The sheer beauty of the city and the balance between commercial and tourist life made it one of the amazing places I ever visited. My host helped me with the place and showed me around the house. She suggested me the places to visit in and around Lisbon. We talked a bit about each other as I introduced myself. To my surprise, she was from Valencia and came to Lisbon for studies. I told her that I visited Valencia before coming here and was really happy to visit it.There was a lot to see in Lisbon and I wanted to cover as much as I could. I started with São Jorge Castle, a Moorish castle occupying a commanding hilltop overlooking the historic center of Lisbon and Tagus River. There was a labyrinth of roads uphill to reach the castle. There was a tram ride near the Rossio Square which goes through the internal parts of Lisbon where one can witness the daily life of old style Lisbon.

The last stop was Lisbon. I opted for the Sandeman’s walking tour, which takes you through the streets, while narrating about the literature, architecture, destruction of city during the 1755 earthquake and its revival from the ashes.

The first day setting out of the airport in Lisbon, I was scared shitless. I just looked at the highway, foreign cars cutting through visible humidity. Feeling my bike, I also realized this was my first time riding fully loaded down with my panniers. For anyone planning a tour, don't do this, train with the panniers and you will be glad you did. Despite my worried rants of getting a taxi, Keagan controlled the desire to smack some sense into me, calmed me down, and told me to get on my damn bike.

I arrived in Lisbon just before sunset and was amazed at how beautiful the city is. It actually reminds me a lot of San Francisco (with an oddly similar bridge and even cable cars). My first stop was the Belem Tower. Built in Manueline style during the Age of Discoveries in 1520, the Tower served to defend the Tagus River bank. Once a symbol of King João II’s power, as the new centuries passed, the tower has been given different functions such as a customs control point, a telegraph station, a lighthouse and even a political prison. UNESCO classified it as a World Heritage Site in 1983.
Next to the Belem Tower was the Discoveries Monument which was built on the bank of River Tagus in 1960 to honor the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator. It was designed in the shape of a caravel, on which Henry the Navigator, Vasco da Gama, and many relevant heroes of Portuguese history are shown riding.

Day 11This was sort of that underdog destination of our trip which we had included but were unsure of even after getting there. However, Portugal seemed to be an ultimate surprise. It offered the perfect blend of sunshine and hilly terrains and the old worldly charm of a small city.There are no points for guessing that we went for a Wine Cellar tour on our second day in Porto.Now they say, Porto Wine is like Women, the older the better. And we didn't have an argument there. We were sold.Read More

Day 11This was sort of that underdog destination of our trip which we had included but were unsure of even after getting there. However, Portugal seemed to be an ultimate surprise. It offered the perfect blend of sunshine and hilly terrains and the old worldly charm of a small city.There are no points for guessing that we went for a Wine Cellar tour on our second day in Porto.Now they say, Porto Wine is like Women, the older the better. And we didn't have an argument there. We were sold.

Porto is the second largest city in Portugal and a major economic hub in western Europe. But that doesn't mean it has a dearth of interesting places for travellers to enjoy. It is located along the Duoro river estuary, making it a completely self-sustaining economy. The city boasts of breathtaking architecture with various contemporary artists leaving their impressions on the skyline. If you are all about food, you will become a culinary evangelist for the city, owing to its retro cafes and family-run taverns.Famous for: Football and culture.Things to do: Try the famous port wine. Football fans must visit the FC Porto Stadium.Weather in January: Average temperature is 10 degrees celsius. Days are sunny, nights are chilly.Average budget per head for 5 days (excluding flights): Rs. 52,000For more details, read this.

4. Indulge in perfectly-aged traditional port wine and other gastronomical delights in the postcard-perfect city of Porto.One of Europe's best kept secrets, Porto perfectly combines European grandeur with Portuguese subtlety and boasts of one of the continent's most progressive restaurant scene.

A city sitting pretty in the north of the country, seeing more than 200 days of precipitation, and thus, one of the rainiest in Europe. The city witnessing the river Duoro river meeting the Atlantic. A beautiful city center by the riverside. Cross the river and you come across atleast dozen of wine makers at every step. I tried the Taylor’s port wine which was lovely.

I had the best vacation ever But, I would never go to Portugal again because the cobble stoned narrow streets have me rapt in a daze, And because the the Chapel of Bones, the very well preserved Old Towns and the old “end of the world”, Sagres took me centuries back in time. It was truly mesmerizing to hear the stories of the sailor’s from the locals.I would never go to Portugal again because it is so very difficult to leave the historical Old Towns and Gorgeous Beaches and to bid goodbye to the amazing locals (who are very very hospitable and helpful) and to accept the fact that there is no other place like Portugal,to realize you will miss the awesome beauty and vibes of Algarve.“I would never go back to Portugal because the Homecoming is Awful!!! ” (Although I come back to a place like Amsterdam).Read More

I had the best vacation ever But, I would never go to Portugal again because the cobble stoned narrow streets have me rapt in a daze, And because the the Chapel of Bones, the very well preserved Old Towns and the old “end of the world”, Sagres took me centuries back in time. It was truly mesmerizing to hear the stories of the sailor’s from the locals.I would never go to Portugal again because it is so very difficult to leave the historical Old Towns and Gorgeous Beaches and to bid goodbye to the amazing locals (who are very very hospitable and helpful) and to accept the fact that there is no other place like Portugal,to realize you will miss the awesome beauty and vibes of Algarve.“I would never go back to Portugal because the Homecoming is Awful!!! ” (Although I come back to a place like Amsterdam).

FaroThis is not somewhere you would expect to see on a post like this but there is so much more to Faro than an airport.We called in as we had to find a car parts shop, we parked and headed for something to eat, this was easy to find with the signs!

The final part of our trip was at the southern coast of Portugal. A place frequented by many tourists, thanks to the nearby Airport and the possibilities of surfing. We had entered a different part of Portugal, sunny and deserted but charming. The cactus plant in front of our sea facing airbnb would have me scouting for tequila in Faro. The place had a very Mexican feel to it with all the sun, tan and cactus. I loved it!
We had a great apartment with a nice exotic lagoon experience. A thin island that lay separated from the city by a Lagoon. Check the pictures below for the front and back views to see the sea water in both the sides.
The food was so good and affordable around the beach. We did not hesitate to spoil ourselves to some fried fresh sardines prepared by the locals. Living in Italy for so long, I had nearly forgotten how a Domions Pizza, KFC Chicken or a Starbucks would taste like.
Things are finally changing in Milan amid skepticism. I write this blog while munching on a Dominos Pizza like how I did in pre 2010 India. The fast food in Portugal seemed to have a lot of diversity in ingredients in it. We had everything from fish and chips and English Breakfast to rich fried noodles and delicious dessert. They made almost everything at the shack on the beach.
Dinner like Vasco Da Gama: Authentic Portuguese sea food
A couple of meals at the same place finally motivated us to go for the authentic Portuguese sea food experience. The family run restaurant which had shipping accessories all across the walls had a very confusing menu. The food was really authentic and included fish soup in large quantities served with rice.
We were served in a traditional looking silvery cutlery. I may have eaten a new fish that day, something big from the deep blue Atlantic. This was the kind of food you would eat on a journey across the globe in an old wooden ship. Finally on my pursuit to discover Vasco Da Gama's home country, I almost get to eat like the Portuguese sailors.
This post was originally published on The Road Not Taken.

-Because The University Of Coimbra is one of the oldest universities operating. It not only makes Coimbra an ultra-cosmopolitan town but also the one with the youngest population and thus very happening. It has the reputation of hosting some of the biggest student parties globally.Read More

-Because The University Of Coimbra is one of the oldest universities operating. It not only makes Coimbra an ultra-cosmopolitan town but also the one with the youngest population and thus very happening. It has the reputation of hosting some of the biggest student parties globally.

At an hour from Aveiro by train, this ranks as one of the most impressive European cities I ever had the luck to go to. All the city center dominated by white buildings, lovely cafes and a very prestigious University. This one is not to be missed.

A town further north of Porto, at about an hour distance is well connected by train as well as bus. Lovely city center and an even lovelier church sitting atop a hill in the outskirts of the town. Take a bus from the city center to Bom Jesus do Monte church. You would have to climb a few steps covered with bright green moss but you’d see, it’s totally worth it.Read More

A town further north of Porto, at about an hour distance is well connected by train as well as bus. Lovely city center and an even lovelier church sitting atop a hill in the outskirts of the town. Take a bus from the city center to Bom Jesus do Monte church. You would have to climb a few steps covered with bright green moss but you’d see, it’s totally worth it.

Afterwards, you will visit Castelo de Vide, known as "Sintra of Alentejo" for its charm and splendor, one of the most romantic locations in the Alentejo region. During lunch, you will taste the typical Alentejo sweet; sericaia with plum, with an abundant use of eggs and cinnamon. Some say that sericaia came from India and others from Brazil – what is known for sure is that this recipe was implemented in Alentejo by the skilled hands of the nuns of Elvas and Vila Viçosa convents, both claiming the rights of importation. Some gave the name Sericaia and others Serica, being that the tradition is more linked to Elvas, where the sweet is decorated with the famous plums of the region.Read More

Afterwards, you will visit Castelo de Vide, known as "Sintra of Alentejo" for its charm and splendor, one of the most romantic locations in the Alentejo region. During lunch, you will taste the typical Alentejo sweet; sericaia with plum, with an abundant use of eggs and cinnamon. Some say that sericaia came from India and others from Brazil – what is known for sure is that this recipe was implemented in Alentejo by the skilled hands of the nuns of Elvas and Vila Viçosa convents, both claiming the rights of importation. Some gave the name Sericaia and others Serica, being that the tradition is more linked to Elvas, where the sweet is decorated with the famous plums of the region.

Alfama is the oldest district in Lisbon. It is an architectural beauty lined with the rich history of the place. From here you can see that big orange & red fireball rising over the water, right next to the Alfama skyline silhouette made up the churches, bell towers and the maroon clay rooftops, while dispersing its amber light on the tiles that line the buildings. Some call it a photographers dream place, I call it an everlasting memory of that Lisbon trip, it is well worth the early rise, specially combined with your breakfast being served as the sun makes it journey up on a hot summer morning.Read More

Alfama is the oldest district in Lisbon. It is an architectural beauty lined with the rich history of the place. From here you can see that big orange & red fireball rising over the water, right next to the Alfama skyline silhouette made up the churches, bell towers and the maroon clay rooftops, while dispersing its amber light on the tiles that line the buildings. Some call it a photographers dream place, I call it an everlasting memory of that Lisbon trip, it is well worth the early rise, specially combined with your breakfast being served as the sun makes it journey up on a hot summer morning.

We also called in to visit Albufeira for a couple of hours; this was everything we had always believed of the Algarve, busy, crowded and full of family fun. The one thing we did notice and appreciated was that there was a moving walkway to the beach, so very good for those with mobility difficulties, however this was not really our cup of tea, and once you had seen one souvenir shop you had seen them all (we lost count of how many there were just in our short stroll).Read More

We also called in to visit Albufeira for a couple of hours; this was everything we had always believed of the Algarve, busy, crowded and full of family fun. The one thing we did notice and appreciated was that there was a moving walkway to the beach, so very good for those with mobility difficulties, however this was not really our cup of tea, and once you had seen one souvenir shop you had seen them all (we lost count of how many there were just in our short stroll).

EstoiEstoi is approx 10 km form the coast and is a pretty little town, we stayed near here and drove through regularly, we stopped a few times for a drink at the cafe by the church. This is the perfect place to sit and feel a part of real Portugal. It is quiet and not rushed, small and not spoilt. Sit with the old men and women on the benches and just watch the world go by, you really would not believe you are on the Algarve.Read More

EstoiEstoi is approx 10 km form the coast and is a pretty little town, we stayed near here and drove through regularly, we stopped a few times for a drink at the cafe by the church. This is the perfect place to sit and feel a part of real Portugal. It is quiet and not rushed, small and not spoilt. Sit with the old men and women on the benches and just watch the world go by, you really would not believe you are on the Algarve.

TaviraTavira is yet another amazing fishing town on the Algarve that has not succumbed to mass tourism.We sat by the river Gilão and watched as men were in there moving stones and trying to catch something, we never managed to work out what they were catching but it was interesting to see such traditional methods. (We later found out it was clams)There is the seven arch bridge, reportedly Roman in origin that spans the river.Read More

TaviraTavira is yet another amazing fishing town on the Algarve that has not succumbed to mass tourism.We sat by the river Gilão and watched as men were in there moving stones and trying to catch something, we never managed to work out what they were catching but it was interesting to see such traditional methods. (We later found out it was clams)There is the seven arch bridge, reportedly Roman in origin that spans the river.

1 | Lisbon + FARO + SevilleOne of my favorite cities in Europe, Lisbon, is bursting with culture, great food, incredibly charming streets -the list goes on and on- there’s so much to see and taste within the city you’ll be hard-pressed to pick your favorites. Not far away, the UNESCO town of Sintra is a beautiful and worthy day trip. Take a 3 hour train south to Faro, in the Algarve region world-renowned for it’s food and positively stunning seaside (ranked with some of the best beaches in the world). Carry on by bus to Seville for an immersion into a world of tapas, sangria and flamenco. Don’t miss Giralda Tower and Plaza de Espana.Read More

1 | Lisbon + FARO + SevilleOne of my favorite cities in Europe, Lisbon, is bursting with culture, great food, incredibly charming streets -the list goes on and on- there’s so much to see and taste within the city you’ll be hard-pressed to pick your favorites. Not far away, the UNESCO town of Sintra is a beautiful and worthy day trip. Take a 3 hour train south to Faro, in the Algarve region world-renowned for it’s food and positively stunning seaside (ranked with some of the best beaches in the world). Carry on by bus to Seville for an immersion into a world of tapas, sangria and flamenco. Don’t miss Giralda Tower and Plaza de Espana.

After breakfast, transfer to Sintra with its imposing mount sprinkled with palaces, churches and stately farmhouses, extending green waves to the ocean, the allure of urban areas of Vila Velha, Estefânia and villages that color the rural heath, is without a doubt a privileged place of undeniable beauty and cultural and natural interest. Lunch in local restaurant and afterwards we will make a stop to taste Queijadas de Sintra, which are composed of a delicious filling of fresh cheese, sugar, eggs, flour and cinnamon, wrapped in a crispy and crunchy pastry. They are gastronomic icons of this region and it is said that the recipe of these sweets was born in Convento da Penha Longa, at the hands of Father John of the Annunciation.

Ofcourse, you can’t go to Portugal and miss out on this one. Reaching Sintra from Lisbon takes about 30 minutes. And these 30 minutes will take you to a fairyland of castles and palaces.
If time permits do go to Batalha for the Monastery. However, for those relying on public transportation this can be slightly difficult to reach.
If anyone who has been to Portugal and has something more to add, do let me know. I’d love to hear and hopefully, go again. Saudade, the feeling of longing and nostalgia is what will drive me there again!

Centuries back when people did not know about America, this was called as the “End of the World”. Since this is the last point in a Village called Sagres in Portugal. We booked a Jeep tour from Sagres Discovery which included Hotel pickup and drop, an off road experience, a visit to the Lighthouse,Cape St Vincent and a secret spot to watch the Sunset along the Atlantic ocean. Near the lighthouse, there are a few German stalls selling sausages and one of them is named as “Last Sausage before America”!! ;PRead More

Centuries back when people did not know about America, this was called as the “End of the World”. Since this is the last point in a Village called Sagres in Portugal. We booked a Jeep tour from Sagres Discovery which included Hotel pickup and drop, an off road experience, a visit to the Lighthouse,Cape St Vincent and a secret spot to watch the Sunset along the Atlantic ocean. Near the lighthouse, there are a few German stalls selling sausages and one of them is named as “Last Sausage before America”!! ;P